Archives for July 2015

Just a few weeks past the halfway mark of Texas League play, the Frisco RoughRiders are next-to-last in team batting average (.244), third in home runs (77), last in team earned run average (4.44) but second-best in strikeouts (743). This is indicative of a team in constant flux, as top players are promoted to Triple-A, with some already on the major league roster.

Regardless of league standings, the RoughRiders’ roster is packed with talent and here’s a look at some of the top contributors thus far.

On the mound

Although Andrew Faulkner and Jake Thompson are both having excellent seasons, it’s always good to take a look at some of the more unheralded prospects who are having a solid summer as well.

LHP Cody Ege—2-2, 0.95 ERA, 32 Ks

Cody Ege does need to hone his command to help reduce his bases on balls, but you can’t argue with the success he’s had thus far.

The former 2013 15th Round draft pick has exceeded expectations, and impressed over his last 10 games, producing a microscopic 0.75 ERA, as well as managing his walk rate.

RHP Jesus Pirela—0-2, 3.60 ERA, 46 Ks

Jesus Pirela, on the 7-Day disabled list, has been one of the steadier producers for the RoughRiders’ bullpen, holding the opposition to just a .257 batting average.

Pirela has leveraged his plus-stuff enabling him to strikeout 47 batters in just 39 innings.

RHP David Martinez—3.21 ERA, 12 Saves

The 27-year-old David Martinez, who pitched in the big leagues for the Houston Astros during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, has been a welcome surprise to the RoughRiders’ bullpen.

RHP Jose LeClerc—4-4, 4.50 ERA, 75 Ks

The Dominican-born Jose LeClerc, who bears a striking resemblance to Jurickson Profar, was a blip on the prospect radar coming into the 2015 season.

Since then, however, he has shown excellent stuff that he has been able to translate into 75 strikeouts in just 74 innings pitched…excellent numbers for a 21-year-old in Double-A.

At the plate

Whereas there are some fresh names included in the pitching report, it is likely that you are quite familiar with the RoughRiders’ slugging stars…

INF Drew Robinson: .224/.371/.435, 15 HRs, 47 RBI

Robinson, the team’s leader in both home runs and RBI, was an under-the-radar sensation in the RoughRider’s first half of play.

His first half numbers were loud enough to prevent him from sneaking up on the opposition. Robinson has established himself as a premier power hitter capable of driving in runs from the heart of the order.

OF Nick Williams: .293/.353/.472, 12 HRs, 41 RBI

Much has been said of Nick Williams, a former second round draft choice of the Texas Rangers. Still, in just his first full-season of Double-A ball, Frisco fans are watching the five-tooled athlete fulfill his lofty promise as he begins to answer the questions that often come with being a top-flight prospect.

OF Nomar Mazara: .277/.353/.428, 10 HRs, 44 RBI

Like Williams, Nomar Mazara has matured in both plate discipline as well as overall knowledge of the game.

The sweet-swinging lefty might not end the season in Double-A, as he could receive a call-up to the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express.

OF Ryan Cordell: .253/.314/.327, 2 HRs, 8 RBI

The newest addition to the Frisco RoughRiders’ roster, Ryan Cordell has cooled at the plate after a scorching debut, fresh off his promotion from the High-A Dessert Mavericks.

In spite of his youth, Cordell has shown enough promise to warrant his name being penciled into the starting lineup on a regular basis. Look for him to become a permanent fixture for the ‘Riders, especially once more advanced prospects continue to ascend the minor league ranks.

When it comes to interior design, we “perfectionist” types think each room in your home is just as important as the next — including your children’s bedrooms.

Frisco’s youth accounts for almost 35% of our city’s total population, and these kids love to distinguish themselves from each other in new and exciting ways. What’s a better place to express themselves than in their own space… the bedroom!

Creating a fun and stylish kid’s room can be a blast with great inspiration. I think most parents would agree that giving their kids a comfortable area where they can play, learn, hangout, and sleep is one of the most important functions of their home, but it requires investing thought and time into planning a child’s room.

One bit of advice before starting – Savor the creative opportunity! Childhood years are some of the most imaginative ones filled with new experiences and daily adventures. I encourage my clients to capture that excitement and wonder when considering a room design.

If the child is older, he or she can even be a part of the process and will likely love the opportunity to work with both the parents and interior designer to help create that perfect room. A talented designer can incorporate all of the elements necessary to achieve that vision.

Here are some ideas to help kick-start your design thoughts on achieving your kids’ perfect rooms:

Creative Colors

Image courtesy Pink Sherbet Photography

When designing any room, I usually start by thinking about the color scheme because it’s the single most factor that influences mood. Colors will almost immediately evoke emotion and can make a room feel warm, calm, moody, whimsical, exciting or lots of other ways. It may seem difficult to set a color scheme that will suit your kids throughout their childhood and into adolescence, but I like to think about using colors that can be modified as they get older, when their tastes inevitably change. A toddler’s room that’s baby blue and beige can easily transform into a more sophisticated navy and brown scheme later.

I like to focus on colors that can be combined in new and appealing ways (tone on tone or color blocking), or possibly incorporate non-traditional colors into the scheme when possible.

Select a Theme

When decorating kids rooms, a theme should be at the heart of the adventure. You can make certain decorating choices in these spaces that you might not want to risk in other areas of the house. For instance, you can devote an entire wall to your child’s favorite cartoon or nursery rhyme. Or you could choose to go with a unique theme, like a tree-house setting or art workshop in order to transform your children’s rooms into a fun and creative space. A teen may enjoy a bohemian chic look or an edgy rock and roll theme. Some prefer a non-specific theme, with simplicity or eclecticism taking priority. The key is to make it fit their personality!

Flexible Furniture

Kids can grow out of furniture quickly so I recommend investing in pieces that can possibly transition with them as they grow older. A beautiful dresser or nightstand can look adorable in an infant’s room and possibly be repurposed via paint techniques or a simple hardware change into a cool accent table next to a chair in a teen’s room later on. If the teen personally creates this transformation as an art project, that’s an even better way to make it feel “theirs”! Cribs that convert to toddler beds and, ultimately, full beds can last 10-12 years before they’re fully outgrown.

Once you decide to get a “grown-up” bed for your child, I highly recommend a queen size, at a minimum, so it can comfortably double as a guest bed when necessary.

Storage

No matter how young or old they are, kids need storage — and planning ahead can mean the difference between a room that looks beautiful and artistic versus a room that looks perpetually cluttered.

I like to consider several layers of storage like open areas under the bed or behind doors, hidden storage buckets in ottomans or stools, plus cabinets and shelving units where you can tuck extra toys and knick-knacks away.

With young children, you can teach them how to clean up in an organized manner by color-coding their storage bins, or with older kids, use unexpected containers or lockers that ensure they still appeal to their taste and look “cool” to their friends. Every parent appreciates a tidy room, so why not make it as easy as possible for kids to stash their stuff?

While there are some practical elements that can come into play, above all else, I recommend thinking as creatively as possible and use these rooms as a chance to for your children to express the unique individual that they are!

Business Council for the Arts strives to create strong business/arts partnerships that build world-class communities where people want to live, work, and grow. It is the only North Texas membership organization dedicated to building corporate investment and opportunities in the arts.

The program consists of ten modules, beginning with a class introduction and bonding session that is based in the performing and visual arts. Classes begin in September and meet on the third Thursday of every month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This schedule allows a full academic experience while preserving a section of the workday. Each class is selected from a pool of qualified and culturally diverse candidates.

Sessions contain a combination of informational and experiential activities to maximize the value of your participation. Classes are conducted in various arts facilities in the region to provide a comprehensive level of awareness of arts venues.

Leadership Arts Institute was founded in 1989 by notable philanthropist and business leader Ray Nasher, with the mission to train and develop the next generation of business leaders for the arts in North Texas.

The curriculum covers topics such as board roles and responsibilities, fundraising and development, arts advocacy, art and economics, and more. This proven program provides participants with the tools and information that makes them “best in class” among board leaders.

It’s a week full of Riders Baseball, cooking classes, summer camps, and lots of live theater for all ages. It’s the height of summer, so take advantage of activities that entertain the whole family in Frisco!

Featured this week:

5 Cool Things To Do With Your Kids On A Hot Frisco Day: Somehow we’ve held off on the worst of the summer heat until the 3rd week of July, but it’s here now! So if you’re looking for ways to stay cool, keep the kids busy, and hold on to your sanity (at least until the school year starts), check out 5 Cool Things To Do With Your Kinds On A Hot Frisco Day.

Thursday, July 23

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

Friday, July 24

“Double Feature: “Ruthless” and “Almost, Maine” – Squee Productions” – At 7pm, on Friday & Saturday, enjoy not one but TWO performances by Squee in the Black Box Theater. Tickets: $5

“Ruthless” – Eight year old Tina Denmark wants the lead role in her school play so badly she would do ANYTHING for the role. ANYTHING. Come see this campy show based on the classic films, “The Bad Seed” and “All About Eve!”

“Almost, Maine” – In the secluded area of Almost, Mainde, duet scenes revolve around the subjects of love lost and gained. Almost, Maine will have you laughing and crying, often simultaneously, in this character and scene study.
For more information, please contact Brian: brian@squee.us

“DIY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES at Williams-Sonoma, Stonebriar mall” – Stir up your summer cooking with complimentary Junior Chef Classes. Junior chefs can impress friends by whipping ice cream sandwiches from scratch. Class will demonstrate how to make the outside layer of brownies and cookies and then the delicious ice cream filling and toppings. Suitable for ages 5 to 13. No charge to attend. Reservations are required at (972) 712-9455 or stop by Williams-Sonoma, located on the lower level near the main entrance to Stonebriar mall. An adult must remain with the child during the classes.

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 8pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Tickets available here: http://www.friscocommunitytheatre.com/ or in advance: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

Saturday, July 25

“NONSTICK SAUTEING at Williams-Sonoma, Stonebriar mall” – Food that is perfectly sautéed boasts a crisp exterior and juicy interior. This 9:30am class demonstrates how to use a nonstick pan, cooking everything from the most delicate fish to seasonal vegetables. No charge to attend. Participants enjoy 10% savings on select same-day store purchases. Individuals who wish to attend must make a reservation by the Thursday before the Saturday class. For reservations, call (972) 712-9455 or stop by Williams-Sonoma, located on the lower level near the main entrance to Stonebriar mall.

“Plein Air Sketching” – Join the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco (VAGF) for sketching the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in July, weather permitting, from 8AM – 10AM on the lawn in front of City Hall in Frisco. Bring whichever medium you prefer to use outdoors: pencil, camera, watercolors, acrylic, etc.! Look for the VAGF sign. Questions? Email info@vagf.org. Hope to see you there!

“Double Feature: “Ruthless” and “Almost, Maine” – Squee Productions” – At 7pm, on Friday & Saturday, enjoy not one but TWO performances by Squee in the Black Box Theater. Tickets: $5

“Ruthless” – Eight year old Tina Denmark wants the lead role in her school play so badly she would do ANYTHING for the role. ANYTHING. Come see this campy show based on the classic films, “The Bad Seed” and “All About Eve!”

“Almost, Maine” – In the secluded area of Almost, Mainde, duet scenes revolve around the subjects of love lost and gained. Almost, Maine will have you laughing and crying, often simultaneously, in this character and scene study.
For more information, please contact Brian: brian@squee.us

“FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers” – Match starts at 8pm in Toyota Stadium. Children two years or older must have a ticket for admittance. Children under two must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. Gates open 60 minutes prior to match time. Get FC Dallas tickets!

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 8pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Tickets available here: http://www.friscocommunitytheatre.com/ or in advance: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

Sunday, July 26

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 2:30pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Tickets available here: http://www.friscocommunitytheatre.com/ or in advance: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 6:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

Monday, July 27

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland Rockhounds” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

Tuesday, July 28

“Tuesday Story Time at Stonebriar mall Pottery Barn Kids” – Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., Pottery Barn Kids at Stonebriar mall hosts Story Time and kids are invited to stop in an enjoy a story or two. At their first Story Time, children will receive an official Book Club Card. The card is stamped for each attendance. When the card has five stamps, the child will receive a special gift. Story Time is presented compliments of Pottery Barn Kids and reservations are not required. A parent/caregiver is required to remain.

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland Rockhounds” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

“The Little Gym of Frisco Summer Camps” – From 10am – 4:30pm, join in the Super Kids’ Quest Camp for kids 3-8. This camp challenges children to spend three adventure-filled hours a day completing a fun, exciting mission or “Quest.” Each Quest employs a creative storyline designed to thrill.

Wednesday, July 29

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland Rockhounds” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr. Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

The Star and Frisco Station combined are expected to create 19,000 jobs in Frisco.

The design for Frisco Station will be managed by Architects RTKL, HKS. BOKA Powell will design the project, and Retail Street Advisors will market the commercial space.

Warren Buffett is rumored to be among the first possible commercial tenants by connecting a few dots.

Berkshire Hathaway Automotive is led by Larry Van Tuyl. The Van Tuyl family’s VanTrust Real Estate stated that construction will start next summer on a 6-story, 200,000-square-foot office building in Frisco Station.

Outside of Buffett, there has been a great deal of interested already expressed by businesses in leasing space at Frisco Station.

The Rudman Family has owned the property that will be come Frisco Station since 1962 and have been waiting for the right time to develop.

“We’re excited about this project and delighted to be working with Hillwood and VanTrust on this incredible opportunity,” said Trey Sibley, general manager of The Rudman Partnership. “Hillwood’s experience developing large-scale, master-planned projects provides an unequaled level of expertise for the long-range vision we all share for this development, while VanTrust’s expertise in developing Class A office will provide corporate and professional residents with an unmatched, highly-amenitized product offering in the area.”

Now that we’re in the middle of summer, you might be hearing the “we’re bored!” wail at full tilt. No worries this week… we’ve got baseball, theater, soccer, a gaming convention, and a DIVE-IN movie! All to entertain the whole family in Frisco!

Featured this week:

The Frisco Athletic Center is a staple of family fun and fitness in Frisco. With the new expansion and amazing water features, it reigns supreme in the Texas summer heat. If you’re not a member or haven’t been in a while, this is the perfect time to dive in and visit the Frisco Athletic Center. The’ve got tons to do to stave off that summer boredom.

Thursday, July 16

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

Friday, July 17

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 8pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Get tickets now: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

“ScrewAttack Gaming Convention (SGC)” – From July 17th to the 19th at the Frisco Conference Center, join this three-day party where gamers from around the world come together and share their passion for video games!

Saturday, July 18

“FC Dallas vs D.C. United” – Match starts at 8pm in Toyota Stadium. Children two years or older must have a ticket for admittance. Children under two must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. Gates open 60 minutes prior to match time

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 8pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Get tickets now: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

“Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks” – First pitch at 7:05pm in Dr Pepper Ballpark. RoughRiders same day tickets are available for purchase up to 90 minutes after 1st pitch on game day. Please contact the Frisco RoughRiders at 972.334.1900 with any questions.

Sunday, July 19

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder by Frisco Community Theatre” – At 2:30pm in Black Box Theater, Frisco Community Theatre’s summer show is a chilling murder mystery! Rated PG-13. Get tickets now: $20 for evening shows, $19 for matinees. Discounts available for seniors (ages 60 and up), for students, and for military. Questions? Call 972-370-2266 or email fct@flash.net

“Third Sunday Open House at Frisco Heritage Center” – Join us from 1pm to 4pm for our 3rd Sunday Open House. Live animal show and tell, wet sponge toss and a visit from the Frisco Fire Department. Bring the family for an afternoon of FUN! All activities are FREE!

Monday, July 20

“Monday Mindstretcher Events” – Summer fun & learning for grades K-5 in Frisco Public Library, 1st floor City Council Chambers. At 10am, 11:30am, 3pm, 4:30pm, and 7pm, today’s event is all about Mad Science: explore science with fun experiments. Pick up a free ticket for daytime events in the 1st floor Atrium beginning at 9am. Tickets for the evening events are available on the 2nd floor beginning at 6pm. Limit of 10 tickets per party, space is limited.

Tuesday, July 21

“Tuesday Story Time at Stonebriar mall Pottery Barn Kids” – Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., Pottery Barn Kids at Stonebriar mall hosts Story Time and kids are invited to stop in an enjoy a story or two. At their first Story Time, children will receive an official Book Club Card. The card is stamped for each attendance. When the card has five stamps, the child will receive a special gift. Story Time is presented compliments of Pottery Barn Kids and reservations are not required. A parent/caregiver is required to remain.

“Frisco City Council Meeting” – The Frisco City Council typically meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month inside the City Council Chamber at the George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. Citizens are welcome to attend the open meeting, which generally begins at 6:30 p.m. Citizens’ input is heard at approximately 7:30 p.m.